Ed Holder taps Coun. Jesse Helmer for deputy mayor

In what could be an early sign of Ed Holder’s approach to municipal politics, London’s mayor-elect has reached across the political divide to tap a left-leaning city councillor as his deputy, The Free Press has learned.

In what could be an early sign of Ed Holder’s approach to municipal politics, London’s mayor-elect has reached across the political divide to tap a left-leaning city councillor — and staunch supporter of the contentious bus rapid transit project — as his deputy, The Free Press has learned.

It’ll take a vote of council — ratification, essentially, through a bylaw — to make it official, but Holder’s choice of Jesse Helmer makes a statement about collaboration and co-operation, London political scientists say.

“It’s an effort to build political bridges, to show that he’s open to all points of view, trying to rally support across different viewpoints,” said municipal government expert Andrew Sancton.

Helmer, who confirmed the appointment to The Free Press, is a one-term, policy-centric councillor. He was re-elected by a large margin over Stephen Orser, a former councillor who tried to make a comeback in Ward 4 in the October civic election.

But Helmer has turned off some Londoners with his consistent support for a $500-million bus rapid transit (BRT) system in London, and his political leanings. Then-premier Kathleen Wynne appeared at one of Helmer’s fundraising events during the 2014 election campaign, and his partner, Kate Graham, ran for the Liberal party in London North Centre in June’s provincial election.

Holder was a two-term Conservative MP in London West.

Ed Holder (Mike Hensen/The London Free Press)

It’s the BRT project — and the controversy that surrounds it — that makes Holder’s choice particularly significant, experts say.

Although the primary job of the deputy mayor is to cover the mayor during any absences, the two are often seen as key political allies.

There’s no rule that requires the mayor and deputy mayor to act in lockstep on every issue, Sancton noted, but given the divide between those who support BRT and those, like Holder, who campaigned against it, the move sends a message.

“I don’t think it necessary means they’re going to be in agreement on the BRT or that they have some kind of prior understanding,” Sancton said. “It’s a sign that they at least agree to talk with each other, respect each other, and work with each other.”

And setting that precedent early could be crucial for Holder, who faces a tough job of building consensus on council and setting the stage for collaboration across political or otherwise polarizing lines.

He wasn’t willing to discuss his pick with The Free Press before it’s confirmed by council.

Western University political science professor Martin Horak said the mayor will be “pivotal in this council,” given its diversity.

“If he chooses someone as deputy mayor who is seen as being politically different in priorities and approach, I think that’s a very smart move for Holder early on. It helps to begin the process of building a broader tent,” Horak said.

After outgoing mayor Matt Brown’s affair with then-deputy mayor Maureen Cassidy, council dropped down to one second-in-command role. Previously, there were two deputy mayor positions on council, one appointed by the mayor – last term that role was held by Paul Hubert – and one elected by council for one-year terms. Cassidy got the nod from her colleagues in 2015 and 2016 until she resigned the post.

Holder’s pick may also help protect him as the BRT debate wages.

“I don’t think Ed Holder can clearly come out on either side as a new mayor presiding over a new council. I think he’s going to need to walk that middle ground. It’s a tough middle ground,” Horak said.

“It’s going to be a debate about how much change will make this project politically more palatable.”

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